Service cat

John McGahey gets a kiss from his service cat, Patch, at his apartment earlier this month. The six-month old kitten licks him while he has nightmares, a side effect of post-traumatic stress disorder.

John McGahey says his service cat, Patch, soothes his paranoia caused by post-traumatic stress disorder.

John McGahey and his service cat, Patch, comfort each other before entering the Veteran/s Administration medical clinic earlier this month. He has had a difficult time getting permission to carry the cat into public places.

John McGahey shows his service cat, Patch, to Regional Transportation Authority bus driver Marty Rodriguez after boarding a bus at the Staples St. Station earlier this month. Federal Transit Administration regulation 49 C.F.R. Part 37 provides that public and private entities, such as taxis, buses and trains, permit service animals to accompany people in their vehicles and facilities.

John McGahey strokes his service cat's, Patch, head while waiting for a bus on earlier this month. The animal is being trained to stay with him in a carrying bag in public places, and petting Patch sooths the veteran's paranoia, he said.

John McGahey says his service cat, Patch, soothes his paranoia caused by post-traumatic stress disorder.

Regional Transportation Authority bus driver Marty Rodriguez examines a copy of a doctor's prescription for John McGahey's service animal. Federal Transit Administration regulation 49 C.F.R. Part 37 provides that public and private entities, such as taxis, buses and trains, permit service animals to accompany people in their vehicles and facilities.

Jennifer Muñoz (from left) and Sara Perrin check out John McGahey's service cat, Patch, while they wait for a bus earlier this month at the Staples Street Station.